[weberc2]

> I don't understand how they suddenly became tougher, just by stepping on a boat.

I don't understand the OP's point, but "selection bias" is why many immigrant populations out-perform their counterparts back home. The folks who are willing to strike out are necessarily more intrepid.

[LV-426]

But not north of the 49th parallel?

[weberc2]

I didn't make that claim.

[spiderfarmer]

Willing and able